Plant: It is a large, straggly, perennial, riparian shrub with many
loosely branched stems. The Mulefat got its name because mules would
get fat by eating the leaves or perhaps because they became bloated from
eating them.
Flowers: The flowers are actually a clustered head of many tiny flowers.
The composite heads contain about 50 or more white flowers. Female and
male flowers are found on different shrubs.
Leaf: The leaves are long and narrow (1-4 inches) with serrated edges.
The leaves of Mulefat can be distinguished from that of the willow by three
long veins. Branches are longitudinal grooved.
Flowering period:
April to October
Use by Indians:
Can be found here:
Big Canyon, Back Bay Drive, Bayview Nature Trail, West Bluffs